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Connecting the Community
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BULLETIN PORT OF VANCOUVER, PORT OF PORTLAND SETTLE MULTIPLE LAWSUITS WITH COLUMBIA RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Agreement Ends All Active Litigation Over the Port of Vancouver's Columbia Gateway Industrial Development and Columbia River Channel Improvement Project The Port of Vancouver this afternoon announced a settlement between the ports of Vancouver and Portland and the Columbia River Alliance for Nurturing the Environment (CRANE). Although the projects are separate, the agreement will ease controversy over Vancouver's Columbia Gateway project, and will also end CRANE's litigation filed in Washington State and federal courts against the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. "This agreement facilitates the development of Columbia Gateway, and removes a major obstacle to the Channel Improvement Project," said Larry Paulson, Port of Vancouver Executive Director. "It provides a win-win-win situation for CRANE, the ports and the region." The settlement eliminates opposition from CRANE regarding the Port of Vancouver's efforts to develop maritime and industrial properties. The Port of Vancouver also is currently working through environmental regulatory requirements as part of its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The results of the EIS will assure appropriate mitigation needs for development of the industrial area. "Although the Port had hoped to develop more land, this agreement will accommodate mitigation that will be required by natural resource agencies in order to create maritime and industrial jobs and, at the same time, settle legal differences," said Paulson. He noted that the agreement also provides an opportunity to preserve important habitat on parcels that are adjacent to protected areas in the Vancouver Lowlands, consistent with the Port of Vancouver's on-going commitment to environmental stewardship. This agreement benefits much more than Columbia Gateway, prompting the Port of Portland's participation in negotiations. Executive Director, Bill Wyatt directed that the Port of Portland participate with the Port of Vancouver in the settlement of CRANE's lawsuits against the Channel Improvement project, filed in the State of Washington and federal courts. "With this agreement, the ports of Portland and Vancouver made a choice to fund the environment instead of lengthy litigation," said Wyatt. The settlement provides some regulatory certainty for the channel project by ending the only challenges to the approvals issued in Washington. Oregon approvals were not appealed. CRANE appealed state approvals for the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. This appeal was of the Washington Department of Ecology's water quality approval and the Coastal Zone Management Act determination for the project. Another legal action sought to prevent the project from using Washington State appropriated funds. For the Channel Improvement Project to proceed, the Corps of Engineers must issue a Record of Decision (ROD) and the necessary federal funding must be secured. Plans for permanent Farmers' Market in Esther Short Commons in disarray--Columbian, Jedffrey Mize Farmers' Market pulls out of Commons--Oregonian, Allan Brettman City hires lawyer to defend hotel-convention center court case--Columbian, Jeffrey Mize Ogden Resource Center dedicated--Columbian, Tom Vogt Locke recognizes Clark County for its environmental programs--Columbian, Erin Middlewood County getting behind in responding to rezoning requests--Oregonian, Bill Stewart Colin Cowherd exudes sports radio muscle and TV savvy --Portland Tribune, Pete Schulbert World Bank: Iraq reconstruction needs $55 billion--USA TODAY, AP Oregon's credit downgraded--KATU 'Seattle's Jazz Patriarch' was top bebop artist--Seattle Times, Stephen H. Dunphy Bush says administration will punish Americans who visit Cuba--Washington Post, Peter Slevin
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top of the page to view other exciting offers. Hospice House groundbreaking is Monday Construction of the community’s first free-standing, inpatient hospice facility will begin next week following groundbreaking ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the site at the corner of Mill Plain Boulevard and U Street. The $3.1 million, 20 private room Hospice House has been the object of Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation’s most popular fund raising campaign, according to foundation executive director Lynn Bohart. The project was first guaranteed by a $1.5 million contribution from the Ray Hickey family, followed by an $850,000 bequest from Marj Sumption, former medical center library volunteer. Employees at the medical center gave more than $50,000. The 16,000-square-foot building will bridge the gap between home and traditional inpatient care for hospice patients, according to Robert Ellis, physician-director for Hospice Southwest. More than 400 items will be sold during the Evergreen School District Foundation auction More than 400 items and services will on the block during the second annual Evergreen School District Foundation auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Heathman Lodge. Additional items are still being sought for the event, the proceeds of which benefit Evergreen School District’s classroom programs. To make a contribution or buy $50 tickets, call 604-4031. Clark County earns governor’s award Gov. Gary Locke yesterday honored Clark County with the Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention & Sustainable Practices. The county was recognized for a number of programs including its environmental education programs that reached 11,000 students last year. The county also piloted a program to collect hazardous waste door-to-door from elderly and disabled residents, began a permanent program for re-using and recycling old computers, switched its motor vehicles to bio-diesel fuel and invested in electric/gasoline cars. The design of the new Public Service Center was praised for its commitment to protection of air, water and other natural resources. The county was nominated by Nick and Holly Forrest and their two children, Andrew, 9, and Katie, 4. Program marks Southwest Washington Medical Center rehab unit’s first ten years A program recognizing ten years of clinical excellence at the Southwest Washington Medical Center’s Rehab Unit is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Health Education Center on the medical center campus. The nationally accredited 14-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit offers specialized care and treatment for patients requiring rehabilitation for strokes, neurological disorders, head trauma and orthopedic injuries. The unit’s three physical medicine physicians also provide for outpatient care, and consultations for community and hospital-based physicians. Volunteers
celebrate 178-year-old apple Sponsored by the city’s Urban Forestry Commission, the 20th annual Apple Tree Festival at Apple Tree Park, one of the city’s smallest parks, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. The park, sandwiched in between the railroad berm and Highway 14, just east of I-5, is also to be the terminus of the Maya Lin footbridge that will connect the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site with Columbia Way and the Columbia River Waterfront. The event is free. Apples and cuttings from the 178-year-old tree will be given all visitors. News briefs Vinton and Helen Erickson’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the celebration of 105 years of Erickson Farms is from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at 10600 NW Lake Shore Avenue. nnn The Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Clark County Public Works conference room, 4700 NE 78th Street. nnn The Daily Insider, in commemoration of Columbus Day, celebrated this year on Monday, Oct. 13, will not be published.
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